Business students break fundraising record for Take £25 Challenge

Published on 3, December, 2025

Students from the University of Sunderland have taken just £25 and transformed it into over £12,700 in a challenge to raise money for charity.

First-year Business and Management students have worked together in teams to turn a starting budget of £25 per team into as much cash as possible for a local charity.

The annual ‘Take £25’ Challenge has raised a record-breaking £12,743.30 (inc. Gift Aid) across 24 teams of students for The Children’s Foundation after four weeks of fundraising activity, which culminated into an event held at the Reg Vardy Centre, St. Peter’s Campus.

Fundraising activities included raffles, bake sales, food stalls, lucky dips and a range of carnival games for staff and students to enjoy.

Iraa Wimpenny, Lecturer in Marketing and Business at the University, who leads the Challenge, said: “As their lecturer, I'm very proud of the amazing determination shown by our students. They have shown real entrepreneurial drive throughout the Take £25 Challenge.

“Their creativity, teamwork and willingness to take risks reflect the mindset that defines successful founders and business leaders. This is a core first-year module, which means students begin building these capabilities from the very start of their degree.

“By the time they graduate, they will have the practical experience, confidence and commercial awareness that employers look for. Our business programmes are designed to give students the knowledge and skills that set them apart in a competitive graduate market. Their achievements in this challenge show exactly what they are capable of.”

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The money that has been raised will go to the Children’s Foundation, helping them to improve the health and well-being of the most vulnerable and marginalised young people in the north-east.

Farhan Peeran, who was on the winning team, North East Giving, and set a new record for the highest team total for the challenge, said: “Taking part in the Take £25 Challenge was an incredible experience for our team. Raising just over £2,500 taught us how powerful teamwork and community engagement can be when combined with a meaningful cause.

“We’re proud of what we achieved together and grateful for everyone who supported us along the way. We hope that our efforts will make a meaningful contribution to The Children’s Foundation, helping to support the vital work they do for young people across our community.”

Since 1990, the Children’s Foundation, based in Newcastle, has launched a range of initiatives to help improve young people’s health and wellbeing in the region, including creating baby boxes for families, provide community allotments for young people, and provide mental health workshops in schools.

Sean Soulsby, Chief Executive of The Children’s Foundation, said: "The creativity and determination shown by the students throughout this challenge has been nothing short of inspiring. Turning £25 into over £12,000 is an extraordinary achievement, and every pound raised will directly support children and young people right here in the north-east. 

"We’re incredibly grateful to each team for throwing themselves into the challenge with such passion and purpose. Their entrepreneurial spirit reflects the very best of what our region’s young people can achieve, and their efforts will have a real and lasting impact on the children and families that we work with.” 

Dr Yvonne Dixon-Todd, Head of School for Business, Management and Tourism at the University, said: “It is brilliant to see our students really engaging and delivering in this entrepreneurial initiative. So many business skills are being developed, and a fantastic sum of money has been raised for this very worthy cause. Well done, everyone.”

If you are interested in studying Business and Management at the University of Sunderland, find out more here.